She was born in Delta, UT on April 20, 1935 to Lionel Hale Riding and Ardella Cook. She was the youngest of four children. It was no secret that Bonnie was a daddy’s girl. The mere mention of him in her later years made her eyes instantly fill with tears as she talked about her “silver haired daddy of mine”.
Bonnie graduated from Delta High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Vest, in the Manti Temple on June 25, 1954. They welcomed their first son Bruce in 1955 while living in Delta, and shortly after moved to Salt Lake City where they welcomed and raised the rest of their beautiful children together.
She loved baking, cooking, music, quilting, reading, and crocheting. She was the ultimate homemaker. She was always busy in the kitchen making something delicious. Bonnie was a wonderful seamstress and quilter. She blessed many with her handmade quilts or blankets. She was still attending her quilting group until just a few weeks ago. All of her work she did with perfect penmanship, precision, and lots of love.
She had a beautiful voice and always made sure to call and sing the most beautiful version of “Happy Birthday” to all of her kids and grandkids. She had a great sense of humor and quick wit. She often laughed until she cried.
She and Raymond enjoyed traveling together and went on many bus tours together with their dear friends. The refrigerator is lined with magnets from all of the places they would visit.
Bonnie loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as the ward organist for many years as well as other callings. She had a very tender heart. She taught others through her quiet example of patience, forgiveness, and unconditional love throughout her life.
Being a mom and grandma was the joy of her life. Bonnie absolutely adored all six of her children and 15 grandchildren and made each of them feel like they were her favorite. She gave the best hugs and always showered her family with affection, love, and food. She was thrilled as the great-grandkids arrived, and shared all of her love with them, as well.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, her parents Lionel and Ardella, her brothers Bob and Kennard, and her sister Betsy Ann. She will be greatly missed by her children Bruce Raymond (LaDonna), Sheri Lynn, Dean Cornell, John Myron, Jaleen Ardell Willis (Frank) and Mark Lionel and a proud posterity of 15 grandchildren and spouses, and 30 great-grandchildren, all of whom loved her dearly.
The Vest family would like to thank Bristol Hospice and the entire staff for the wonderful care given to Bonnie before her passing. And also a special thank you to Angie (Angelia) whom Bonnie loved and looked forward to seeing each day. She made it possible for her to stay in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the Rose Park Stake Center East Chapel, 760 North 1200 West. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 27th at 11:00AM. There will be a viewing prior to the services from 9:45AM to 10:45AM. Interment will be in the Lynndyl, Utah Cemetery under the direction of Wasatch Lawn Mortuary.
